Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, found himself at the center of multiple controversies following a tweet he posted on Saturday afternoon after a round of golf at his Florida resort. In this tweet, Trump likened himself to Napoleon, echoing the French emperor's assertion that "he who saves his country does not violate any laws." This comparison has drawn heavy criticism from various quarters, with critics condemning it as a sign of his disregard for the rule of law. Meanwhile, Trump's administration continues to navigate a challenging political landscape, facing lawsuits, allegations of constitutional crises, and economic concerns.
The president's defiance of specific orders, such as one mandating the restoration of funding to bodies like the National Institutes of Health, has prompted several opponents to declare a constitutional crisis. This defiance has also led to a wave of dismissals across federal institutions. The latest firings have affected numerous agencies, including the homeland security department, the Food and Drug Administration, and the US Forest Service. Moreover, health department agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have not been spared from these dismissals.
"He is the most lawless president in US history" – Robert Reich
Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, has labeled Trump as the "most lawless president in US history." This sentiment is further echoed by critics who view Trump's actions as "dictatorial," particularly his attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." Despite Trump's order, the Associated Press (AP) pointed out that it serves an international audience and would continue to refer to the Gulf by its globally accepted name.
Additionally, Trump's tariffs plan has raised concerns about short-term price increases. While Trump assured that prices "will come down, and they'll come down fast," inflation rose to 3% in January. Analysts warn that new tariffs on trading partners could lead to an international trade war and potential job losses. The Atlantic commented on this situation, suggesting that avoiding a spat with Trump might have been prudent for the AP.
"To cave now would be to surrender on the constitutional issue. But this is a fight that Trump is clearly happy to have, especially to the extent that it draws attention away from his more egregious affronts to the public interest and the rule of law" – The Atlantic
Adding to the turmoil, Trump's administration banned Associated Press journalists from the Oval Office and Air Force One after they refused to comply with an executive order. This decision was widely perceived as a punitive move against the press. Axios emphasized the importance of a free press, describing it as "a bedrock of a free press and durable democracy."
"a bedrock of a free press and durable democracy" – Axios
Elon Musk's involvement through his "department of government efficiency" (Doge) has been noted for its deeper infiltration into federal institutions. This "wrecking ball approach" has only intensified since Trump's inauguration and has contributed to ongoing disruptions within government agencies.
Meanwhile, at least 70 lawsuits challenge various administrative actions nationwide. These range from attempts to eliminate birthright citizenship to freezing federal grants and funds. These legal battles highlight the growing discontent and opposition Trump faces from different sectors.
"I don’t like the fact that Donald Trump is shutting the government down as we speak" – Tim Kaine
Senator Tim Kaine expressed his disapproval of Trump's actions, stating, "I don’t like the fact that Donald Trump is shutting the government down as we speak." This sentiment reflects the broader concern about Trump's influence over governmental operations.